One of the major attractions for adventure loving tourists is skiing in the Himalayas. Gulmarg, the best ski resort in the Himalayas, was first established by the British in 1927, when two British Army Officers, Maj. Metcarp and Maj. Hadow had setup the Ski Club of India at Gulmarg.
Skiing had become very popular during the pre-independence years and Gulmarg used to host two main events, one each during Christmas and Easter. In 1938-39 about 500 skiers are reported to have participated in the Christmas and Easter ski races. Gulmarg's atmosphere can generally be identified with 1940's and 50's European skiing—‘the Alps of good old days’. It has good sunshine as well as good snow.
Gulmarg holds a position as one of the highest lift-served ski resorts in the world. This is due to setting-up of a Gandola Cable Car Lift from Gulmarg to Apharwat top, giving a downhill ski run of about 3 kms. In addition, three ski lifts and one chair lift also service the resort, which are suitable for beginners and intermediate-level skiing, respectively.
The skiing season in Gulmarg usually commences before Christmas (around middle of December) and continues till middle of April. In January-February, 1998 the first National Winter Games of India were held at Gulmarg, for which the facilities were enormously improved and upgraded. The resort acquired two Kasse Bohrer snow beating machines used for preparing skiing slopes, and five snowmobiles, which can be made available for going up the mountain. Good quality equipment, including skis, boots, sticks, gloves and goggles are available on hire on the spot from the Government-run ski shop.
There are also trained instructors available for guiding the tourists. Gulmarg is ideally suited for learning skiing, as it is probably the cheapest ski resort in the world.
Some time back, the famous French skier Sylvain Saudan, had started Heli-skiing in the Himalayas for European skiers. He would take the skiers by helicopter on top of Gulmarg mountain and other peaks in the area from where they would ski down the immense Himalayan slopes. This programme has been discontinued for the time being.
The most enjoyable aspect of a winter sojourn in Gulmarg is the friendly atmosphere. It is like being in a family where everybody knows every one else.
Gulmarg - Himalaya’s First Major Ski Resort (Asia’s Best Ski Resort)
India isn't an obvious destination for skiing but there has been a resort at Gulmarg since the days of the British Raj Gulmarg’s legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country, in addition to Pahalgam and to some extend Sonamarg in Kashmir.
While Gulmarg is an all-weather resort with refreshing summer meadows and pastoral scenes to keep the camera busy, the main reason to come here, at least in winter, is the off-piste, deep-powder, long-run skiing and snowboarding. The Himalayan resort of Gulmarg is one of the newest and increasingly popular ski destinations. Head here for the world’s highest gondola ski lift and eye-popping views great Himalayas.
In Gulmarg Skiing bring you joy, fun, adventure, and nature near you. Gulmarg is located 56-km south west of Srinagar, provides natural slopes, inclines, snow and gondola is primarily country’s premier ski resort and a favorite winter tourist destination, Ski in Gulmarg is a wonderful combination of incredible Curry powder skiing and the unique Hospitable Kashmiri culture - Which Makes it one of the world’s Most Adventurous & Memorable skiing experience one can ever have.
Gulmarg is also capital of winter game and having institute provide comprehensive training of ski.
Gulmarg beauty cannot be explained out in word. Gulmarg skiing experience gives you traditional inclination to nature. The quality of snowfall in Gulmarg is quite impressive and people around the world exploring the skiing in Gulmarg. Due to geographic condition Gulmarg has heavy snowfall in the season and known as one of the best skiing resorts in Himalayas.
In the season tourist visit from several country and enjoy the skiing at its best. Some of the leading country from where adventure visitors come to explore skiing in Gulmarg is France, Germany, Australia, Austria, Russia, New Zealand, UK, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and several other western countries.
Gulmarg skiing is just not about the incline it provide or quality of snow it has, it also give a culture transactions and give more knowledge, understanding and custom knowledge of diverse culture of Gulmarg. As Gulmarg is near the disputed area of Pakistan occupied Kashmir, you have to face a huge military intervene in the location however locals of the Gulmarg is so friendly you can simply ignore and enjoy your visit to Gulmarg.